Best way to present RTS graphic-wise.

My favorite typr of Computergame is Real-Time-Strategy games (like Age of Empires, StarCraft, WarCraft, Empire Earth) ever since I could use a mouse, and there is something that I can't help but notice, all the RTS games that I consider better are not 3D, they're more like Sprites, and pseudo 3D. There are some 3D RTS games out there that I think are good gameplay wise, but they don't feel right. My question to you is, ignoring gamplay, what is the best way to present RTS graphic-wise?

Well, I think it doesn't really matter. The only thing you're going to notice in, say, the middle of a battle is the gameplay, not "oh this sprite looks ugly" or "look at the pretty HDR." Enemy Nations is my favorite not because of it's spectacular graphics (which don't exist), but because it's a damn fun game.

I played Homeworld. Couldn't get past the darn ship graveyard thing though.

Anyways, I think that 3D is nice to have, but not really necessary. Look at Starcraft. It's 2D and it still sells like crazy. The new Starcraft coming out will look more realistic and you'll be able to rotate the camera, but it really doesn't do much else 3D wise. The graphics look a hell of a lot cooler though.

Rody wrote:seriously why should 3D even matter for rts games. unless it results in some improved gameplay.

again, company of heroes. it's a WWII RTS game, where suddenly everything you ignored in old RTS games like facing and vertical direction matter. weapons coming down from above do more damage against certain types of targets, and will avoid certain types of cover (yes, infantry and vehicles can take cover). chunks of blown-up tank serve as a great place for your grenadiers to stand behind while they're getting shot at, but if a grenade lands behind this cover, they're dead.

and blitzen, the 3D effect i feel is what makes company of heroes what it is. not only is there the calculated landing of debris and using as cover etc. etc, but you can still pan the camera around and zoom in, letting you get incredibly attached to your guys. if you're using DirectX 10, the game goes far enough to even make individual blades of grass as individually molded polygons, and don't even get me started on how well the human models look. even on the lowest graphics settings, you can see the whites of their eyes and the stubble on their chins. the camera will even move into places that you normally wouldn't be able to see, such as inside buildings, which you can use to get your riflemen to throw their grenades into just the right window to do maximum damage (or at least take out the MG42).

IVhorseman wrote:if you're using DirectX 10, the game goes far enough to even make individual blades of grass as individually molded polygons, and don't even get me started on how well the human models look. even on the lowest graphics settings, you can see the whites of their eyes and the stubble on their chins.

to me, that would probably be useless, that and if that is the lowest setting. my pc wont be able to handle it.

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